How do i care for my elephant bulb?

my neighbor gave me a elephant ear bulb and told me to let it soak for 24 hours. why? next, is there any particular handling and planting info i should know. i plan on putting it in a pot.

How do i care for my elephant bulb?
DO NOT SOAK IT FOR 24 HOURS!!!





Plants are capable of growing two different types of roots.





One type of root is for growing in water, the other type of root is for growing in soil and they are not interchangable. Water roots will not work in soil and soil roots will not work in water.





This is the main reason people have trouble with getting other types of plants to root from cuttings, they stick the branch from their rose, tree, etc. into a cup of water, see new roots, plant it and a week later it dies.





All you have to do is plant the bulb in soil, a few inches below the surface and water it. Make sure that the soil remains slightly damp at all times and keep it in a very sunny window, or outside (best). It will grow just fine.





Lastly, soaking it in water, especially uncerculating water can lead the bulb to rotting.
Reply:You can't kill an elephant ear. I have grown them in water for months. Still have some -- would you care for more? Plunk it in the ground and be amazed at the Law of Abundance.





They do not like being potted as they are a very invasive plant - roots and shoots spread quickly. If you do pot it, they are heavy drinkers/feeders and want light indoors. Good luck, have fun~
Reply:My mother has beautiful elephant ears outdoors. She is in NC and leaves them out and they do multiply and come back every year. I live in MI and I did start my elephant ears indoors last year. Just put it in soil and it will grow. The bulb may be hard from being stored overwinter or she may be trying to help you make it root faster.....they are after all a tropical plant. I know I have to pull my ears bulbs back inside in the winter because the cold is severe here and they would not come back next year. They do like a heavier soil and seem to thrive in a clay based soil. If you keep it inside it will not be as full and pretty - they do like outdoor atmosphere better! And you will be hooked when you first see it peek thru the dirt! Enjoy .....